Complaints have been received that the AOCs car and RAF officers are not being saluted by soldiers. All ranks must be acquainted with badges of rank of officers in the Royal Navy and RAF. In certain cases it is difficult to distinguish Army officers in battle dress, but the tie should serve as a good identification mark.

Motor Cycle Trailers

Higher authority has ruled that not more than two trailers will be towed behind one motorcycle and that weight in excess of one cwt for each trailer will not be carried. The motorcycle will not take a pillion rider. Stores such as guns, tripods and belt boxes, should be carried on the trailers, while the lighter and less cumbersome items are carried by bicycle by the gun numbers. OCs of Companies are to try out methods of carrying ammunition belts by bicycle.

Skin Diseases

The CO wishes Company Commanders to take active steps to reduce the number of skin diseases which can be dealt with by individuals themselves, eg cuts, IAT etc. Flavine was issued to Companies and Company OCs are to investigate the possibility of giving every post commander a small bottle of this mixture to deal with minor casualties in his command.

AIR RAIDS DAWN 2 DECEMBER TO DAWN 3 DECEMBER 1940

Weather Cold and wet.

1037 hrs Air raid alert for a formation of enemy aircraft reported approaching the Island from the north east.

1045 hrsFriendly aircraft approach Malta from the west. The raiders are spotted eight miles to the north east of Grand Harbour, turning to the south east, then east.

1050 hrs Two Hurricane fighters land at Luqa.

1055 hrsAll clear sounds.

OPERATIONS REPORTS MONDAY 2 DECEMBER 1940

SOUTHERN INFANTRY BRIGADE COs conference at HQ.

1st Bn KINGS OWN MALTA REGIMENTAuthority is given to issue a third blanket to troops.

2nd Bn KINGS OWN MALTA REGIMENT A lecture at Australia Hall on “Strategic Importance of Malta”.

MALTA SIGNAL COMPANY Classification of Signallers of 2nd Bn Royal West Kent Regiment: 11 passed, one failed.

8th Bn MANCHESTER REGIMENT Molotov anti-tank bomb demonstrated.

FORTRESS ROYAL ENGINEERS A party of 20 men under L/Sgt King lifted an anti-aircraft searchlight onto the roof of Ritz Mansions, Tigne. Two sub-sections of 24 Fortress Company began building anti-tank walls and digging anti-tank trenches at Concezione. Work commenced on two look-out posts. No 1 Works Company began work on additional accommodation for 1st Bn Dorsetshire Regt at Hompesch.